6 Changes Threads Needs for Me to Actually Use It

Threads started as a promising social media platform, but it quickly lost its appeal to me. After the initial hype faded, I found myself using it less and less. To revive my interest and make Threads a valuable platform, I hope it implements the following changes.

1 A Better Algorithm for Showing Relevant Content

One of the biggest factors that determine whether a social media platform thrives or fades is how well it tailors content to its users. My major pain point with Threads is its algorithm’s inability to effectively surface content that is relevant and meaningful to me.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), content discovery feels more aligned with personal preferences and current trends. When I open Threads, I want to see content that reflects my interests, the people I care about, and topics I actively engage with, rather than random viral posts or content from accounts I’ve never interacted with.

A smarter algorithm—one that prioritizes relevant, timely content from people and topics I genuinely care about—would greatly increase my engagement. Currently, the randomness of what shows up in my feed is more frustrating than engaging. If Threads can refine its algorithm to create a more personalized experience, I’d be far more likely to use the app regularly.

2 Improved Content Quality

Another major reason for avoiding Threads is the content quality. Currently, there’s a lot of noise—shallow engagement bait, low-effort memes, and recycled content from other platforms. Instead of original ideas and meaningful discussions, I often find myself sifting through posts that lack substance.

When I scroll through my feed, I want meaningful conversations, thoughtful insights, and diverse perspectives—not the same viral trends I’ve already encountered on X or TikTok. Threads feels like it’s stuck in an awkward space between aspiring to be an intellectual hub and trying to appeal to a broader, more casual audience. At the moment, it’s not succeeding at either.

For me, social platforms should add value to my day and spark genuine engagement. However, until the content quality improves, Threads won’t be a platform I turn to for anything more than quick, passive scrolling.

3 Keeping DMs Separate From Instagram

Although Threads is finally bringing DMs, a major quirk is that they will work through Instagram. Sure, Instagram and Threads are both owned by Meta, but combining the DMs is a move that doesn’t sit well with me. While it may help keep things streamlined, it also makes the two platforms feel too entangled when they could serve distinct purposes.

I already use Instagram DMs for group chats, photo replies, and casual conversations—exactly the vibe I’m not seeking in a text-driven app like Threads. Merging the DMs would blur the lines between spontaneous, public conversations on Threads and my more private or visual chats on Instagram.

I don’t want my Threads experience cluttered with notifications from Instagram DMs. Having a distinct messaging system within the app would make Threads feel more cohesive, allowing conversations to stay within the context of the platform.

4 Unlinking My Instagram Account

I get that Threads was designed as a companion app to Instagram, but I want more control over how those two worlds collide. Having to use my Instagram account to sign up for Threads already feels like an overstep. What concerns me more, though, is how closely the two profiles are linked. At the moment, anyone who views my Threads profile can easily find my Instagram account, which makes me uncomfortable.

I use Instagram primarily to share personal updates with close friends and family. It’s a more intimate space that I prefer not to broadcast to a broader audience. In contrast, Threads could serve as a platform for discussing trending topics, sharing opinions, or engaging with a wider public community.

These are two distinct audiences and I need the option to keep those interactions separate. I like how I can easily remove the Threads shortcut from my Instagram profile, but there’s currently no option to remove the Instagram icon from my Threads profile.

5 A Comprehensive Insights and Analytics Dashboard

One of the features I find useful on X (Twitter) is the ability to delve into the performance metrics of my posts. I appreciate how, with just a few clicks, I can easily access key metrics like impressions, engagement, and profile visits. This level of detail helps me understand what resonates with my audience and adjust my strategy accordingly.

Threads currently fall short in this regard. It only provides basic metrics like likes and reposts, leaving out a wealth of information that could offer more comprehensive feedback. Without any analytics, it’s challenging to gauge the full impact of my posts or to track engagement trends over time.

This lack of detailed insights makes it difficult for me to post frequently on Threads, as I’m left in the dark about how my content is performing. If Threads could integrate a more advanced analytics system, it would be a game-changer and would likely encourage me to engage with the platform more often.

6 Incentivizing User Engagement

On Threads, it often feels like users are posting just to post, with little to say or add. To make Threads truly worthwhile for me and others, the platform needs to find ways to incentivize meaningful user engagement. I’d love to see Threads develop a system that rewards users not just for posting frequently, but for contributing valuable and original content.

For example, Twitter’s ad revenue sharing scheme allows content creators to earn a share of ad revenue based on their engagement metrics and influence. Implementing a similar system on Threads could provide financial incentives aligned with content quality and impact, encouraging creators to invest more thought and effort into their posts.

In addition, Threads could introduce features such as paid subscriptions for exclusive content or tips from followers. By offering multiple ways for users to monetize their presence on the platform, Threads could foster a more engaged and invested user base.

For Threads to become a platform that I genuinely find useful and engaging, it will need to address these critical areas and offer a more seamless, intuitive experience. Until then, I’ll keep an eye on its progress, hoping that future updates will bring it closer to meeting my needs and expectations.